Results, re-sits and appeals
ELPAC is designed so that a result is available as soon as you finish the test. This page explains how test results are reported, what happens if you want to re-sit, and how appeals work.
Immediate result
Paper 2 is a face-to-face speaking assessment rated live by two accredited examiners — an English Language Expert (ELE) and an Operational Expert (OPE), a serving or former air traffic controller or pilot. Each examiner independently applies the ICAO holistic descriptors and ICAO rating scale criteria. The overall ICAO level awarded is the lowest of the six sub-ratings. When the two examiners cannot reconcile, the case is resolved through a documented dispute-resolution mechanism (a third examiner). Because both examiners rate live, the overall ICAO level is normally available very quickly after Paper 2.
How the level is reported
Each of the six ICAO descriptors is rated independently. The overall ICAO level is the lowest of the six sub-ratings. Your user organisation issues the official report to you and may also inform the relevant licensing authority.
Third Assessor
Where the OPE and ELE disagree on the outcome, or where a candidate formally appeals a result, the recording of Paper 2 is reviewed by an independent Third Assessor. The Third Assessor's decision is final.
Appeals
If external factors such as noise or distractions prevented you from demonstrating your actual English language proficiency, or if you believe the test was not administered according to ELPAC guidelines, you may submit an appeal to the ELPAC test centre.
2026 score distribution (snapshot)
Final ICAO level on completed ELPAC tests in 2026 to date, split by candidate group. Figures are an anonymous aggregate averaged across all ELPAC user organisations worldwide — no location, organisation or personal information.
Air traffic controllers
n = 767Flight crew
n = 703Source: ELPAC operational data, January–June 2026 (as of 15 June 2026). Updated periodically. See the validity argument for how ELPAC scores are interpreted.
Validity of ELPAC scores
ELPAC results are reported on the ICAO language proficiency rating scale and are designed to warrant licensing decisions. The full validity argument explains how the evidence supports that use.